Former Crystal Palace manager’s record of winning promotion to the top-flight makes him initial favourite after Owen Coyle’s departure

Ian Holloway is the early front-runner to become the new Wigan Athletic manager in the wake of Owen Coyle’s departure yesterday.

Coyle held talks with Dave Whelan, the Wigan owner, after the 3-1 loss at home to Derby County on Sunday — the club’s third defeat in a week at the DW Stadium — during which it was decided to end the Scot’s 171-day reign.

Holloway has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace by mutual consent in October, five months after guiding the club into the Barclays Premier League.

The 50-year-old’s success in winning promotion from the Championship — he also